San Bernardino Valley trio Brainstory released a new single, “Sorry” today —listen + share—announcing a new podcast series “Buckin’ With Brainstory” and sharing Episode 1, featuring Kevin & Tony Martin from the band’s dad, Big Tony. “Sorry” will be featured on the band’s upcoming debut album, Buck, due out November 15 on Big Crown Records, and follows “Mnemophobia”, which was featured as a KCRW‘Today’s Top Tune’ along with “Breathe” and “Beautyful Beauti”, which were featured on KCRW’s Pan Caliente.
Discussing the single, Tony stated, “Sorry speaks to the lover and the beloved, a conversation between partners and Gods. A conversation to the human in the mirror and a revelation of what must be in the face of truth.”
Kevin, with brother, bassist/vocalist Tony Martin and drummer Eric Hagstrom, are bounded by blood, fate and a small town with nothing to do. After releasing two EPs, on Chicano Batman’s El Relleno Records, Brainstory caught the attention of Big Crown’s Danny Akalepse and Leon Michels. Travelling to Queens, NY to record at The Legendary Diamond Mine with Michels at the helm, the musical chemistry was instant, with the guys knocking out 10 songs in 10 days.
Kevin, Tony and Eric’s story began in the twilight zone known as Rialto, California—an arid wasteland of boredom and empty lots. Through punk rock and skateboarding they found temporary liberation from the local monotony. However, it wouldn’t be long before a hunger for more led them to explore musical realms beyond that of the hardcore punk they admired. After stints at music school and steady disappointment trying to navigate their local jazz scene, they moved to Los Angeles and Brainstory was born.
The musical growth displayed on Buck from Brainstory’s earlier material is undeniable. Taking the band’s California sunshine vibes and mixing them with Michele’s NYC aesthetic, proves to be an amazing combination, with Brainstory pulling influences seamlessly from a wide breath of genres. Buck is a state of mind, a way of life, a demeanor that gets you through the good times and the bad. It is also the energy that permeates the album.
